http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryf/g/furlough.htm
Employee furloughs are a positive alternative to layoffs, but they have
negative consequences, too. Employee furloughs are mandatory time off work
with no pay. Used as an alternative to a layoff, employee furloughs can occur
in both public and private sector organizations when revenue or projected
revenue fails to match expenses. Revenue is generated through product sales,
grants, and governmental support and subsidies.